by Linda Stewart, 29 April 2020
I posted an article entitled “Ancestors of Local People Were Persecuted French Huguenots” by Quida Jewell, Fulton, KY. http://paschal-paschall.com/2020/04/29/ancestors-of-local-people-were-persecuted-french-huguenots/
Mrs. Jewell writes about the life Dr. Jesse Rutledge “Blue” Paschall, as well as his father, Dr. Newton Julian Paschall. Both men were honored physicians and surgeons, who for many years served the community in Fulton, KY, and in Obion Co., TN.
In the article, Mrs. Jewell also writes an interesting statement: “The branch of the Paschall family were originally French Huguenots and were driven from their native land by religious persecution. Three brothers came to America, one locating in New York City, another at Philadelphia, while the ancestor of Doctor Paschall established a home in North Carolina.”
The Huguenots were French Protestants in the 16th (1501-1600) and 17th (1601-1700) centuries who followed the teachings of John Calvin. During the 17th century, they were violently persecuted by the French Catholic government. The Huguenots fled the country creating Huguenot settlements all over Europe, America and Africa.
Per the book, “Ancestry and Posterity of John Lea” many weavers with the surname of Paschall came to England during the reign of King Henry VII, who reigned from 1485 to 1509. To date, we do not have documented proof that our Paschall family were French Huguenots because the records our researchers have do not go back to the King Henry or Huguenot time period.
The website features two databases. The Descendants of Thomas Paschall (1634-1718) and The Descendants of William Paschal (1704-1774) of NC. We do have proof that Thomas Paschall was born in England in 1634, married Joanna Sloper and immigrated to America in 1682. Per the Lea book, Thomas was the son of William (ca 1608-1670), and William was the son of Thomas (died 1638).
Regarding Mrs. Jewell’s statement that three brothers came to America. Per the Lea book, we have proof that Thomas’ “brothers” did not accompany him on his voyage to America. Thomas (1634-1718) had two brothers, Joseph and William (1656-1658). William died in infancy and Joseph died in 1712 in England. Joseph’s son Benjamin (1677-1730) immigrated to America and lived in Philadelphia where his Uncle Thomas’ family lived.
However, since we do not know the ancestry of William Paschal (1704-1774), nor who his Paschal siblings were, could these “brothers” be part of William’s family? From the documents to date, William does not appear to be in the direct line of Thomas, but may be a cousin. The “brothers” theory may be just family folklore. Further research is needed in the colonial records to locate the possible “brothers.”
Brian Rodriguez and Clarence McDaniel are currently researching the England records to try to find the ancestry and connections between Thomas and William. If anyone has information that could aid Brian and Clarence in their England research, or if you have information on the “brothers”, please let us know.
Have a blessed day!
Source:
Lea, James Henry & George Henry. “Ancestry and Posterity of John Lea, of Christian Malford, Wiltshire, England, and of Pennsylvania in America, 1503-1906.” Philadelphia & New York: Lea Brothers & Co. 1906, p. 396-399.
UPDATE, In the above: The statement that Thomas, B, had a brother named Joseph is incorrect due to Brian & I finding Joseph’s Friends marriage cert. This cert. states that Joseph’s father was, THOMAS. This cert. was signed by the Friends present. The only Thomas of time/place we have is Thomas, A4. We think this means Thomas,B, and Joseph,A4x. were 1st cousins. The x means we do not have other siblings at this time. We do know from Joseph’s will that he had sisters, Mary & Elizabeth. We are presently trying to get more info.